Mary Ann Peters

HARTSGROVE — Mary Ann Peters, age 73, of Hartsgrove, Ohio, passed gently into the arms of Jesus, on Wednesday, March 26, 2008, at the University Hospital in Cleveland.Born in Cleveland, Ohio, May 6, 1934, to Casper and Josephine Schneider, she was raised as the youngest daughter, in a large close-knit family. Her parents and siblings affectionately referred to her as "Mitzie".As a young girl, Mary was lively, energetic, and strong-willed, but tender-hearted. She was taught the values of faith, family ties and hard work.Mary was a city girl turned country after she married Edmond Peters, and moved from Cleveland to Hartsgrove, in the 1960's. She enjoyed nature, the wide-open spaces, and the tranquility that came with country living.Mary was known for her strong faith in Jesus Christ, and the teachings of the Catholic Church, by which she guided her life. She was a member of St. Mary's Church in Orwell, for many years, and more recently attended Mass at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, in Ashtabula.Mary devoted her life to raising her four children, many years as a single parent. As a mother, her unconditional love for her children was boundless. The time, attention, and affection she gave them was limitless.Mary was a very independent and a self-sufficient woman. She could nail shingles on a roof, change the oil in the car, and make one mean apple pie, all in one day. She was known for her kindness and generosity to family, friends and strangers. No one ever left her house hungry and no one's birthday ever went unnoticed. She was an excellent cook, baker and homemaker. Although she was a homebody at heart, Mary had the gift of gab and could spend hours telling stories to friends ad family. She had a wonderful sense of humor. She was always young-at-heart, happiest to be surrounded by babies and young people, especially her grandchildren. She loved to dance and enjoyed music from the 1950's, 1960's, as well as the latest rock and roll. She enjoyed playing cards, taking long hikes in the woods, gardening, and staying physically fit.At the age of 66, Mary faced the greatest challenge of her life, as she fought courageously to recover from a major stroke. The road back was long and difficult, but her faith and stubborn self-will saw her through. She was an inspiration to many. Following her illness, Mary lived with her daughter Terry Miller, and her family, in Roaming Shores and continued to enjoy her family and many of her interest.During the past two years, Mary resided at the Austinburg Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, in Austinburg, where she made friends with both staff and residents. All those who knew Mary were blessed with her loving, affectionate nature and her spunky sense of humor. She will be missed by all who knew her.Mary's memory will remain forever in the hearts of those who loved her most. Survivors include her two daughters, Terry (David) Miller of Roaming Shores and Sherry (Steve) Gruskiewicz of Williamsfield; son, David (Carolyn) of Cuyahoga Heights; and her 13 grandchildren; Courtney Peters, Jennifer and Jessica Miller, Tamara (Chas) Rose, Tara, Tatum (James) Burke, Stephen, Tahnee, Tracee, Taylor, Trisha, Timothy, and Tyler; three great-grandchildren, Tristen and Caleb Rose, and Aidan Baker; sisters, Dorothy Turpin of Parma, Lynette Majercak of North Olmsted, and Rose (Ralph) Graham of Chagrin Falls; brother, Edward (Irene) Schneider of Cleveland, and George (Dianne) Schneider of Concord; and numerous nieces and nephews.Mary will be reunited with all loved ones who preceded her in death, including her parents; her beloved son, Christopher Peters; her sisters, Rita Lopiccolo and Teresa Schneider; and her brothers, Daniel and Charles (Billy) Schneider.A Mass of Christian burial will be 11 a.m., Monday, March 31, 2008, at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 1200 E. 21st St., Ashtabula, Ohio, with Father Joseph Ruggerri, officiating. Burial will be at St. Mary's Cemetery in Orwell.Calling hours will be held 5 to 7 p.m., Sunday evening, March 30, at the Jefferson home of the FLEMING and BILLMAN FUNERAL HOME, 49 W. Jefferson St., Jefferson, Ohio.Memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel church. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Guest book and obituary on-line at fleming-billman.com.